Legal Environment of Business
MGT/SOC 226
Fall 2006
Donna M. Steslow, Esq.
Adjunct Instructor
Office Hours: Before and after class and by appointment
Telephone:
E-mail: dsteslow@moravian.edu
Course Objectives: This course is designed as an introduction to the law as it
applies to the business and commercial environment. Students will be introduced
to the language of the law as well as the application of legal theory to the reality
of commercial transactions and business organizations.
Required Text: West’s Business Law, Text and Cases, Tenth Ed., Clarkson, et al,
Thomson-West 2006, ISBN 0-324-30390-4.
Attendance and Participation Policy: Regular attendance and participation is
important for success in this course. All students are expected to attend class
and participate in discussions. A student who is absent for three or more classes
will automatically have 20 points deducted from the participation grade.
Academic Honesty: Please refer to the Student Handbook for the college’s
Academic Honesty Policy. These rules contained in the handbook will be
adhered to in this course.
Grading: Points will be allocated as follows:
Exam 1:
100
Exam 2:
100
Final Exam:
100
Paper on current legal issue or case: 100
Participation and attendance:
50
TOTAL POSSIBLE POINTS:
450 (percentage of students’ points out
of total points will determine grade for course)
Make-up Examination Policy: One examination may be made up provided the
following requirements have been met:
1. I am notified by e-mail or voice mail within 24 hours of the missed
examination.
2. A written medical or legal excuse is provided.
3. Exams may not be taken earlier than the scheduled date.
Grading Scale: The conventional grading scale for the college will be utilized.
(90-100=A, 80-89=B, etc.)
Learning Disabilities: Any student who wishes to disclose a disability and request
accommodations under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for this course
MUST first meet with either Mrs. Laurie Roth in the Office of Learning Services
(for learning disabilities and/or ADD/ADHD) or Dr. Ronald Kline in the Counseling
Center (for all other disabilities).
Blackboard: Class syllabus and daily outlines will be available on the Blackboard
system.
Description of Assigned Paper (DUE11/16): Students are to write a 4-6 page
paper on a trial or appellate case in the news within the past year which has had
some type of impact on business. The paper shall be double-spaced, typewritten, and in APA or MLA format. The following points should be covered:
1.
2.
3.
4.
What are the facts of the case?
How did the case get before the court? Which Court is hearing the case?
What are the legal issues and factual issues?
Summarize/explain the law which is applicable to the case (You may use
the text and outside sources).
5. What was the result/verdict/decision? Is it over, or ongoing?
6. Find sources/commentary which analyze the result of the case and
summarize, concentrating on the impact of the case to the business
environment.
7. Include your own analysis/opinion of the result.
A grading rubric will be provided. Questions and assistance with topics will be
provided in class.
This Syllabus is subject to change at the discretion of the instructor.
COURSE OUTLINE
8/29: Course overview, begin Chapter 1: Introduction to Law
8/31: Continue Chapter 1
9/5: Chapter 2: Courts and Alternative Dispute Resolution
9/7: Chapter 3: Court Procedures
9/12 Chapter 6: Intentional Torts
9/14: Chapter 7: Negligence and Strict Liability
9/19: Chapter 8: Intellectual Property
9/21 Exam 1: Chapters 2, 3, 6, 7, and 8.
9/26: Chapter 10: Nature and Terminology of Contracts
9/28: Chapter 11: Agreement
10/3: Chapter 12: Consideration
10/5: Chapter 13: Capacity and Legality
10/10: Fall Recess
10/12: Chapter 14: Genuineness of Assent
10/17: Chapter 15: The Statute of Frauds
10/19: Chapter 17: Performance and Discharge
10/24: Exam 2: Chapters 10-15, 17
10/26: Chapter 31: Agency Formation and Duties
10/31: Chapter 32: Liability to Third Parties and Termination
11/2: Chapter 35: Sole Proprietors and Franchises
11/7: Chapter 36: Partnerships and LLPs
11/9: Chapter 37: Limited Liability Companies
11/14: Chapter 38: Corporations: Formation and Financing
11/16: Chapter 38 Continued-- PAPER DUE
11/21: Chapter 39: Corporations-Directors, Officers, and SH
11/23: THANKSGIVING
11/28: Chapter 40: Merger, Consolidation and Termination
11/30: Chapter 40 Continued
12/5: Chapter 41: Securities Law and Corporate Governance
12/7: Chapter 41 continued, Review for Final Exam Chapters 31,32,35-41.